In October 2021, Escape Film Club attended BFI's London Film Festival to experience the most exciting upcoming independent and major releases. Here's our ranked list of every film we saw at the 2021 festival and links to our full reviews. List and reviews by Jack Aling.
25) DASHCAM
There have been many films that have tapped into the pandemic but Dashcam takes the top spot as the most irritating and frustrating of the bunch. READ THE FULL REVIEW
24) TRUE THINGS
Exploring the claustrophobia and uncertainty of toxic relationships, the explored intimacy feels somewhat unearned despite its steady pace. READ THE FULL REVIEW
23) EAR FOR EYE
A thematic emergence of theatre and filmmaking that elevates the spoken word with cinematic techniques to make the performances hit with impact. READ THE FULL REVIEW
22) BAD LUCK BANGING OR LOONY PORN
Full of unbridled rage, this absurd experience is a social satire like no other that almost certainly has the most outrageous ending of the year. READ THE FULL REVIEW
21) BERGMAN ISLAND
Transporting you to its island getaway, this does a great job of showing a true slice of life and celebrates the uniting power of film. READ THE FULL REVIEW
20) MOTHERING SUNDAY
A melodramatic story of forbidden love that is saturated with some of Britain's best actors forgets to add any real substance to its elegant setting. READ THE FULL REVIEW
19) MONA LISA AND THE BLOOD MOON
With such an animated outlook on the world, this film embraces the strange and spontaneous with its booming soundtrack and neon imagery. READ THE FULL REVIEW
18) PASSING
A simple and effective film that covers some substantial topics but feels aimless as it struggles to make its point heard. READ THE FULL REVIEW
17) THE POWER OF THE DOG
An atmospheric western that plays on your expectations, evoking a feeling of discomfort through isolation and destructive mind games. READ THE FULL REVIEW
16) BENEDETTA
The director of Robocop creates a French religious period piece that delves into faith and temptation that purposely aims to shock with a wickedly humourous glint in its eye. READ THE FULL REVIEW
15) HIT THE ROAD
Absorbing you in the wearisome task of a long road trip, this heartfelt journey has such light-hearted energy, with most coming from charming newcomer Rayan Sarlak. READ THE FULL REVIEW
14) NITRAM
It's odd to say that the highest compliment is how uncomfortable it makes you. Showing the workings of a deranged mind but never glorifying its destructive nature. READ THE FULL REVIEW
13) THE TENDER BAR
A warming family drama that hits all the beats you'd expect from a coming of age biopic but is elevated by the chemistry of its fantastic cast. READ THE FULL REVIEW
12) THE LOST DAUGHTER
Olivia Colman effortlessly waltzes through a complex character study that explores the responsibilities of parenthood to distressingly striking effect. READ THE FULL REVIEW
11) THE FRENCH DISPATCH
Three uniquely told stories all get the Anderson treatment with a stacked cast of familiar faces and unbelievable production design. READ THE FULL REVIEW
10) PARIS, 13TH DISTRICT
This modern take on love is grounded in reality and looks at human error as something to be celebrated and learned from rather than ignored. READ THE FULL REVIEW
9) THE HARDER THEY FALL
A slick western that breathes new life into the distinguished genre that is overflowing with style, reveling in its own confidence. READ THE FULL REVIEW
8) PETITE MAMAN
Nelly meets a younger version of her mum in the woods putting a unique and touching spin on grief and abandonment through the eyes of a child. READ THE FULL REVIEW
7) KING RICHARD
With a fearless spirit as inspiring as the Williams' story, there is an inspiring film hidden amongst the monologues and single tears. READ THE FULL REVIEW
6) LAST NIGHT IN SOHO
Whisking us back to the swinging sixties, this is not only a tribute to London but to the stylistic horrors that soak its gruesome scenes in vibrant colour. READ THE FULL REVIEW
5) C'MON C'MON
A therapeutic experience with distinctive performances, it removes any distractions leaving the audience open for genuine reflection. READ THE FULL REVIEW
4) BELFAST
An important and heart-melting film that reminds us all of the exhilaration of childhood and the cliché that home is where the heart is. READ THE FULL REVIEW
3) SPENCER
A masterful and immersive character observation with a transformative central performance from Kristen Stewart that left me speechless. READ THE FULL REVIEW
2) TITANE
Forcing you kicking and screaming out of your comfort zone, this is an unforgettable experience that isn't afraid to shock and disgust. READ THE FULL REVIEW
1) THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD
A unique coming of age story that is a reassuring journey of self discovery that is both hopeful and harrowing. READ THE FULL REVIEW
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